Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will welcome their baby girl soon. The child will be the second for the couple, who remain deep-rooted in the royal family drama while upholding their relationship.
In 2018, the world witnessed a historic moment as an African-American actress ceremoniously walked into St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, and emerged hours later as a British Princess. However, exchanging vows with Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex was just the first step in her royal sojourn.
The harder phases in embracing the royal life rest in becoming fully accepted as a member of the British Royal family, a feat Meghan Markle, the Suits-alum-turned-Duchess of Sussex still struggles with.
During Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey in March 2021, the Duchess dished on some of her struggles since embracing the royal life. Most of the challenges centered on race, adapting to unfavorable protocols, and ultimately, problems with her mental health.
Thankfully, Markle’s husband has been her pillar of support as she navigates her royal life, making the process less daunting. Within one year of their marriage, the couple welcomed their first child. Two years later, they disclosed the arrival of their new baby sometime soon.
In honor of the upcoming milestone, take a look at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s relationship timeline leading up to their baby-two-reveal.
PRINCE HARRY AND MEGHAN MARKLE’S FIRST MEETING
Harry and Markle first met on a blind date in early July 2016. A mutual friend hooked them up and they talked over a drink. Admittedly, Meghan had no preconceived notion about her future husband at the time. All she demanded to know from the friend in question was if he was nice.
The blind date turned out successful as the two hit it off immediately. They eventually decided to meet up for a second date the next day. Prince Harry once admitted he knew Markle was the one the first time they met.
THE ONSET OF A ROYAL ROMANCE
The duo honored the second date, and things took off from there. About four weeks later, Markle accompanied Harry on a trip to Botswana, Africa at his request. They camped under the stars alone, giving them an opportunity to know each other better.
THE TOP-SECRET ROMANCE UNCOVERED
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry managed to keep their romance a secret for four months. In October 2016, reports of their secret affair hit the tabloids after a source revealed the Prince was besotted with Markle.
The former actress took to Instagram that same day to share a picture of two bananas spooning. Netizens were quick to interpret that as a hint at her romance with Harry.
HOLLYWOOD MEETS ROYALTY
In November, barely a month after the news of their relationship became public, news outlets reported that Prince Harry already introduced Markle to his father, Prince Charles of Wales.
Another source confirmed in a later interview that the Queen approved of Markle and was delighted to see her grandson in a loving relationship.
In one of her interviews, the actress recounted her first meeting with the queen, describing the experience as incredible.
MEGHAN MARKLE AND PRINCE HARRY’S COURTSHIP
Going public with their relationship made the “Remember Me” star subject to press harassment and internet trolling. On November 8, the Duke publicly defended Markle in a statement, begging the press and online trolls to desist from harassing and hauling profanities at his to-be-bride.
Harry also pointed out his involvement in several legal battles to prevent the media from publishing defamatory stories about his partner. Despite the public onslaught, Markle and Harry only grew closer, vacationing together, shopping for Christmas trees, and even rocked jewelry bearing their initials.
Despite Meghan Markle’s busy schedule while filming “Suits” in Toronto, miles away from Harry’s England abode, the duo managed to make their relationship work. Harry paid his partner surprise visits on set and spent the April 2017 Easter break with her in Toronto.
THEIR FIRST PUBLIC OUTING
The usually reserved pair coupled up for the first time in public weeks later, for the annual Audi Polo Challenge in Ascot, England. While Harry was one of the participants, Markle cheered him on from the sidelines. The duo also engaged in some PDA at the parking lot, which was captured on camera.
PRINCE HARRY AND MEGHAN MARKLE’S ENGAGEMENT
On November 27, 2017, Harry and Meghan announced their engagement via a public statement. Following the happy news, the twosome had a celebratory photoshoot. They also granted a formal interview to dish on their relationship and upcoming wedding.
In the weeks that followed, Markle experienced some of her earliest tastes of royal life. She accompanied her fiance on various official events.
THE GRAND WEDDING
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tied the knot on May 19, 2018, in a grand ceremony in Windsor Castle. followed by a reception at the Frogmore House. Several high-profile celebrities and public figures witnessed the royal event and Markle’s transformation into royalty.
During their Oprah interview, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle admitted they exchanged vows privately three days before the public wedding.
BECOMING PARENTS
In October 2018, Kensington Palace released an official statement confirming the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were expecting a baby.
About seven months later, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle welcomed their first child, Prince Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor. The young prince celebrated his second birthday on May 6, 2021. What better way to mark the big day than urging fans and well-wishers to contribute to Harry and Meghan’s quest to promote Vaccine equity?
EXPECTING BABY-TWO
On February 14, 2021, Prince Harry and Meghan Markel announced they were expecting their second baby. Announcing their expectant-parents status on Valentine’s day was symbolic, as it tallied with the same day the late Princess Diana announced her pregnancy with Harry decades ago.
Weeks later, during their revealing interview with Oprah Winfrey, the Duke of Sussex hinted that they were expecting a baby girl.
Although the due date of the arrival of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s daughter remains vague, several pointers so far confirm it could happen anytime soon. One major pointer was the duchess’ inability to obtain clearance from her physician to travel for Prince Philip’s funeral in April due to her pregnancy.
As the world awaits the arrival of the newest addition to the British royal family, the love birds deserve all the congratulations coming their way.